Holden Believes Supporters Will Make The Difference

First team coach Dean Holden believes the supporters will make the difference tomorrow as Latics host Colchester United.

With the club reducing ticket prices behind the goals to just £5, it is hoped fans take advantage of the offer and create a hostile atmosphere as Latics continue their play-off push.

Holden, who rejoined the club in November, praised the support this season, especially on Tuesday, and said: "It was a big game but the team started well and the crowd responded from all sides of the ground.

"It was a good atmosphere and that is what we are after Saturday. The players realise they have to start well and it gets the crowd going so hopefully it will continue and it sets us up for a good run."

Colchester head to SportsDirect.com Park on Saturday with Latics winning four of their previous six games and Holden believes they will prove to be tough opposition.

"They are down there and fighting for their lives. You can throw in all the clichés but they've got some good players at the club," commented the former Walsall man.

"They have Chris Porter up top who has scored a number of good goals for them already this season and he is a threat. They have some fast wide players who will cause us problems if we allow it.

"It's an individual game plan based in their weaknesses. We've got our ideas of what their strengths and weaknesses will be but we aren't going to second guess what they are going to do, I wouldn't expect them to do the same to us. It's a game that we are well prepared for and we will be ready come 3pm."

Conor Wilkinson had a scan at Bolton during the week and will definitely miss the game so Rhys Murphy could be in line to start his first game for the club tomorrow.

Holden said: "It was a fast game for him to come into from League Two and a step up in leagues. The gaffer spoke about that being a Championship tempo but he's a good footballer though.

"We have seen in training already that he's a good finisher, he has two good feet and he works his socks off. We've got to pull the reigns on him sometimes because he's so keen to go after the ball all over the place but we've got to reign him in and for him to do to negative running.

"He needs to save his energy sometimes but he's that sort of character. He's infectious and love his football, you can tell that when you speak to him."

One player who could retain his place in the starting 11 is Jacob Mellis. "Jacob is another good footballer and he's got a clever brain.," admitted the 35-year-old.

"You could see the other night in the first half, it was all action and people panicking at times and Jacob just put his foot on it and found a pass and he is a good addition to the squad."